Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
汞 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
gǒngmercury (element)n, 7 strokes, radical 水, rank #13621, Hard
gǒngmercury (chemistry)unknown, 7 strokes, radical 水, rank #13621, Hard
gǒngsound of a bellunknown, 7 strokes, radical 水, rank #13621, Hard
hòngmercury (element)n, 7 strokes, radical 水, rank #13621, Hard
hòngmercury (chemistry)unknown, 7 strokes, radical 水, rank #13621, Hard
hòngsound of a bellunknown, 7 strokes, radical 水, rank #13621, Hard
gǒng(gong3)
primary
T3
  1. 1mercury (element)
  2. 2mercury (chemistry)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
gǒng(gong3)

汞 (gǒng) refers to the chemical element mercury, which is a heavy metal known for its liquid state at room temperature. It can also refer to the sound produced by a bell, although this usage is less common. In chemistry, it is important for discussions involving toxic substances and various applications in thermometers and barometers.

Strokes7RadicalFrequency#13621DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, mercury was historically used in some remedies, though its toxic properties are now well-known. This reflects the historical context of how substances were viewed in ancient Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'gong' (like a bell) made of mercury that rings with a heavy sound. The character 汞 has the water radical '氵' on the left, suggesting its liquid form, while the right part '工' can remind you of industrial uses of mercury.

Meanings of 汞

gǒng(gong3)
primary
1mercury (element)
2mercury (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 汞

Simplified
7Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 汞

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 汞

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'gong' (like a bell) made of mercury that rings with a heavy sound. The character 汞 has the water radical '氵' on the left, suggesting its liquid form, while the right part '工' can remind you of industrial uses of mercury.

Usage Notes

汞 is typically used in formal contexts, particularly in scientific discussions about elements or chemistry. A common mistake is confusing it with other metals; learners should remember it specifically refers to mercury. Be cautious of the tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with similar sounding words.

HSK Study Tips

While 汞 is not part of the HSK curriculum, it connects with other scientific vocabulary at higher levels. Students should focus on the chemical properties of heavy metals and their applications in real-world contexts.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, mercury was historically used in some remedies, though its toxic properties are now well-known. This reflects the historical context of how substances were viewed in ancient Chinese culture.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse汞 with other metals like 铜 (copper) or 银 (silver) due to similarities in usage. Remember that汞 specifically refers to mercury, which is unique in its liquid state at room temperature.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 汞

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 汞

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 水 represents the meaning and 工 represents the sound. Simplified form of 銾.

Memory Hint

water

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 汞?

Decomposition of 汞

IDS Structure⿱工水
Full Character
=
gong1
top
Shui3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 汞?

Write 汞

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 汞

汞 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

雷____中可能含有微量的乙二酸汞.

Mercury fulminate may contain trace of mercuric oxalate.

Example Sentences for 汞 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
雷汞中可能含有微量的乙二酸汞.

léi gǒng zhōng kě néng hán yǒu wēi liáng de yǐ èr suān gǒng.

Mercury fulminate may contain trace of mercuric oxalate.

Cultural Notes for 汞

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese medicine, mercury was historically used in some remedies, though its toxic properties are now well-known. This reflects the historical context of how substances were viewed in ancient Chinese culture.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, mercury is often associated with industrialization and environmental concerns, whereas in Chinese culture, it had a historical medicinal significance that contrasts with its modern understanding as a toxic element.

Word Family of 汞

Words Containing This Character4
gǒngmercury (chemistry)
甘汞calomel or mercurous chloride (Hg2Cl2)
毫米汞柱millimeter of mercury
升汞mercuric chloride (HgCl)
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 汞 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 汞

汞 is significant in chemistry as it represents mercury, a heavy metal used in various scientific instruments and industrial processes.